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Fresh Cold Soba Noodles with Juicy Grilled Shrimp

fresh cold soba noodles - featured image

A light, refreshing summer recipe featuring nutty cold soba noodles paired with smoky, juicy grilled shrimp and a tangy dipping sauce. Perfect for quick, satisfying meals on hot days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) dried buckwheat soba noodles (100% buckwheat for authentic flavor)
  • 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium to large size
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, low-sodium if preferred
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • A small handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) soba noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside to drain completely.
  3. While noodles cook, peel and devein 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp if not prepped. Pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Toss shrimp in 1 tablespoon sesame oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Slice 2 green onions thinly and stir them into the sauce.
  7. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers or place directly on grill grates.
  8. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink with grill marks. Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
  9. Toss cooled soba noodles with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  10. Divide noodles into serving bowls or plates. Arrange grilled shrimp on top.
  11. Drizzle some dipping sauce over noodles and shrimp, reserving extra on the side for dipping.
  12. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or parsley.
  13. Serve with lime wedges for freshness.

Notes

Rinse noodles thoroughly with cold water to prevent stickiness and cool them quickly. Grill shrimp on high heat for a smoky flavor and juicy texture. The dipping sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For gluten-free, use 100% buckwheat soba noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. Avoid overcooking noodles and shrimp to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: soba noodles, grilled shrimp, summer recipe, cold noodles, easy dinner, Asian flavors, quick meal, healthy seafood